Record-breaking single ticket sales & revenue growth for first time in four seasons

Rochester, NY – At the completion of its 2014-15 subscription season, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) reports record-breaking single ticket sales and total earned revenue growth for the first time since its 2010-11 season. Additionally, this momentum of improved ticket sales continues into next season, which is Ward Stare’s inaugural one as Music Director.

The RPO achieved $1.66 million in single ticket revenue – a 19% increase over the previous season and a 23% increase over the 2012-13 season. Single ticket sales for the Philharmonics Series were most impressive, growing 9% over the prior season and nearly reaching revenues last seen during the 2010-11 season – all of this despite a shortened Philharmonics Series with four fewer performances. These performances were repurposed for five one-night, non-subscription special concerts that generated single ticket revenue of more than $300,000.

Fueled by single-ticket growth, total earned revenues from ticket sales grew by 6% during the 2014-15 season. Though subscription revenues were down slightly, subscriber retention rates improved.

“It is gratifying to note how the Rochester community has responded to our programming initiatives in the past season,” says RPO President & CEO Charles Owens. “From Verdi’s La Traviata in concert to Video Games Live and Audra McDonald, the box office results tell us there is indeed a market for artistically vibrant musical experiences that might not fit the traditional parameters of one of our subscription series. Rochester audiences can expect more programming innovations like these in 2015-16 and beyond under Ward’s visionary artistic leadership.”

As anticipation builds toward the start of the 2015-16 season in September, the RPO shows additional signs of revenue growth. Philharmonics, Pops and Sunday Matinee Series subscription revenues and packages have already surpassed 2014-15 final campaign totals, and total subscription revenues and packages are ahead of the prior year by 6% and 9%, respectively. Subscriber renewal rates among all series are the highest since 2010-11.

"I’m exceedingly proud of our entire RPO team and our wonderful musicians for the stellar work they have done this past year,” adds Maestro Stare. “We’re all excited for the 2015-16 season, and look forward to building on our recent successes through continued innovation, inspiration, and engagement with our Rochester community through the power of music.”

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra has been committed to enriching and inspiring our community through the art of music since its founding in 1922. The RPO presents approximately 150 concerts and broadcasts a year, serving up to 170,000 people through ticketed events, education and community engagement activities, and concerts in schools and community centers throughout the region. Recently appointed 12th Music Director Ward Stare joins the ranks of former notable RPO music directors, including Eugene Goossens, José Iturbi, Erich Leinsdorf, David Zinman and Conductor Laureate Christopher Seaman. Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik has earned a national reputation for excellence in pops programming during his 20-year tenure with the RPO. With Michael Butterman as Principal Conductor for Education and Community Engagement (The Louise and Henry Epstein Family Chair)—the first position of its kind in the country—the RPO reaches more than 12,000 children through its specific programs for school-aged children.